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WO1997019435A1 - A thin, flexible screen, convex or concave, with a display surface of several square meters to display computer graphics and/or video - Google Patents

A thin, flexible screen, convex or concave, with a display surface of several square meters to display computer graphics and/or video Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997019435A1
WO1997019435A1 PCT/NL1996/000450 NL9600450W WO9719435A1 WO 1997019435 A1 WO1997019435 A1 WO 1997019435A1 NL 9600450 W NL9600450 W NL 9600450W WO 9719435 A1 WO9719435 A1 WO 9719435A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
screen
fibres
display
video
computer graphics
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL1996/000450
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ronald Evert Opdenberg
Original Assignee
Ronald Evert Opdenberg
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ronald Evert Opdenberg filed Critical Ronald Evert Opdenberg
Priority to AU75904/96A priority Critical patent/AU7590496A/en
Publication of WO1997019435A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997019435A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/74—Projection arrangements for image reproduction, e.g. using eidophor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
    • G09F9/30—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
    • H04N9/12—Picture reproducers
    • H04N9/31—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM]
    • H04N9/3141—Constructional details thereof

Definitions

  • the invention describes a screen with an active display surface of several square meters on which computer graphics or video can be displayed.
  • the screen can be constructed flat or curved.
  • the depth of the screen is limited to 200 - 300 mm.
  • the video signal accepted by the screen can either be Composite Video, RGBS or the (S)VGA signal from a monitor port on a PC.
  • Frontproj ection systems based on high intensity CRT's have quite a few disadvantages.
  • This invention opens up the possibility of video and computer graphics display of high quality on screens easily placable indoors or outdoors. These screens do not burn-in and require little maintenance. Dimensions and weight of the screen permit both standing and hanging use.
  • the screen offers 24-bit colourdepth, so that 16 million colours can be put on screen. At a resolution of at least 640*480 pixels the dimensions could be 2,56 by 1.92 by 0.2 meters.
  • the (light) intensity of the display is generated by one DLP in combination with one high efficiency light source.
  • the light flux through the system can be controlled by both dimming the light source or by influencing the duty cycles ofthe Micromirror device.
  • the image is generated by directing light from a lamp onto a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) which its many mirrors reflect to form an image.
  • DMD Digital Micromirror Device
  • the image at this stage measures a few tens of millimetres by a few tens of millimetres, its exact dimensions depending on resolution i.e. the number of pixels horizontally and vertically.
  • a colour wheel can be rotated in the light beam, so that each colour phase on the wheel is in synchrony with the display of the red, green and blue images formed on the mirror grid.
  • the light reflected by the mirror device is of very high intensity. It is reflected so that an image is formed on the surface of the Fibre Optic Array (FOA).
  • Each mirror illuminates a corresponding fibre or group of fibres.
  • the surface of the FOA needs to be well polished and precisely flat; the ends of all fibres are then in the image plane. It is also possible to insert a diffuser at this point. Between DMD and FOA a heat filter may be used if the light spectrum makes this necessary.
  • a heat filter may be used between DMD and FOA if the light spectrum makes this necessary.
  • All fibres can be made to end in a flat surface or in a curved one.
  • the image can be formed on curved (convex or concave) surfaces. This will hardly influence image generation.
  • Typical applications could be: cylindrical, where the systems functions as a digital advertising column; or hollow, shaped as segment of a sphere or ring, for immersive image generation applications. (See Figure 2. Examples of flat screens with video or computer graphics and Figure 3. Examples of a hollow, curved shell.) If necessary, the screen can be made flexible to some degree so that it can be bent to fit certain installations.
  • the display is made up of a large number of optical fibres that are wired individually. These pixels form a contiguous array, each pixel carrying every colour, so that a high resolution is perceived and the display can 'be viewed from rather close to distances up to tens of meters.
  • the fibres in the display differ in length. Each fibre has the optimal length to fit between the FOA and its position on the screen.
  • the fibre cost can be kept low as a result, and the display can be constructed thin without excess fibres in the way.
  • the back of the screen will be finished with a light absorbing coating to improve the contrast of the screen, absorbing scattered light
  • the combination of digital image generation technology with the lightguides and the overall construction lead to the exceptional thinness ofthe display; it is only 200-300mm thick.
  • An extemal signal source such as RGB(S), or a (S)VGA signal from a computer is displayed on the screen. It now functions as a monitor.
  • an intemal processor may generate a image, either fully standalone, from a
  • CD-source or from a network source.
  • the construction of the screens is such that they can be combined (coupled) to form very large image surfaces without visible seams.
  • the construction is light.
  • the entire screen will weigh less than 100 kg.
  • the screens do not generate harmful EM radiation.
  • the screens have a very high refresh rate (between 450 and 1500 Hz). This ensures a steady image without line flicker, even in combination with fluorescent lighting.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)

Abstract

This invention describes a large, flexible display with completely digital image generation to display video and computer graphics. Application of fibre optic light guides, in combination with a light source and a Digital Light Processors, enables exceptional thinness of the screen in combination with a display surface of several square meters. The screens can be coupled seamlessly for even larger image surfaces.

Description

Description
A thin, flexible screen, convex or concave, with a display surface of several square meters to display computer graphics and/or video.
The invention describes a screen with an active display surface of several square meters on which computer graphics or video can be displayed. The screen can be constructed flat or curved. The depth of the screen is limited to 200 - 300 mm.
The video signal accepted by the screen can either be Composite Video, RGBS or the (S)VGA signal from a monitor port on a PC.
Presently, large screen video is generally realised by video projection of CRT's, by using LED panels, by projecting an LCD screen, with plasma displays or with lamps. Each of these technologies has various distinct disadvantages. This invention combines the positive qualities of several techniques and adds a few of its own.
1. Frontproj ection systems based on high intensity CRT's (video projectors) have quite a few disadvantages.
1.1. The refresh rate is limited. 1.2. Picture tubes burn-in and consequently need replacement.
1.3. Output is limited, use in daylight conditions is not advisable.
1.4. Linearity and convergence are never perfect and need regular adjustment.
2. Backproj ection systems operating on the same principle of video projection are sometimes coupled to form matrices of several "cubes". Although disadvantage 1.3 can be overcome to some extent, the others remain.
3. Screens with LED's are limited in their colour gamma and are very expensive for large surfaces. The resolution is poor.
The disadvantage of screens with lamps, whether or not in combination with LCD light valves, is their considerable pixel size. Because of this, VGA resolution is only realisable with very large screens (20 by 15 meters), limiting their applicability and raising the cost. They require extensive maintenance. They often show lag and smear, especially when displaying live video.
This invention opens up the possibility of video and computer graphics display of high quality on screens easily placable indoors or outdoors. These screens do not burn-in and require little maintenance. Dimensions and weight of the screen permit both standing and hanging use. The screen offers 24-bit colourdepth, so that 16 million colours can be put on screen. At a resolution of at least 640*480 pixels the dimensions could be 2,56 by 1.92 by 0.2 meters.
The (light) intensity of the display is generated by one DLP in combination with one high efficiency light source. The light flux through the system can be controlled by both dimming the light source or by influencing the duty cycles ofthe Micromirror device.
The image is generated by directing light from a lamp onto a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) which its many mirrors reflect to form an image. The image at this stage measures a few tens of millimetres by a few tens of millimetres, its exact dimensions depending on resolution i.e. the number of pixels horizontally and vertically. To generate colour in the image, a colour wheel can be rotated in the light beam, so that each colour phase on the wheel is in synchrony with the display of the red, green and blue images formed on the mirror grid. The light reflected by the mirror device is of very high intensity. It is reflected so that an image is formed on the surface of the Fibre Optic Array (FOA). Each mirror illuminates a corresponding fibre or group of fibres. The surface of the FOA needs to be well polished and precisely flat; the ends of all fibres are then in the image plane. It is also possible to insert a diffuser at this point. Between DMD and FOA a heat filter may be used if the light spectrum makes this necessary. (For a schematic overview, see Figure 1. Schematic overview of Light source, DMD and FOA) Magnification of the image to the desired screen size is achieved by the fibre optics. Partly through spacing the fibre ends forming the image side of the screen, partly through diffusion at the tips in a diffuser. Another option is to make each fibre (or group of -) end in a cone polished flat at the image side or formed as a lens, this will enable control of the light bundle emitted. All fibres can be made to end in a flat surface or in a curved one. The image can be formed on curved (convex or concave) surfaces. This will hardly influence image generation. Typical applications could be: cylindrical, where the systems functions as a digital advertising column; or hollow, shaped as segment of a sphere or ring, for immersive image generation applications. (See Figure 2. Examples of flat screens with video or computer graphics and Figure 3. Examples of a hollow, curved shell.) If necessary, the screen can be made flexible to some degree so that it can be bent to fit certain installations.
The display, several square meters (for instance 2.56 * 1.92m) in size, is made up of a large number of optical fibres that are wired individually. These pixels form a contiguous array, each pixel carrying every colour, so that a high resolution is perceived and the display can 'be viewed from rather close to distances up to tens of meters.
The fibres in the display differ in length. Each fibre has the optimal length to fit between the FOA and its position on the screen. The fibre cost can be kept low as a result, and the display can be constructed thin without excess fibres in the way. The back of the screen will be finished with a light absorbing coating to improve the contrast of the screen, absorbing scattered light The combination of digital image generation technology with the lightguides and the overall construction lead to the exceptional thinness ofthe display; it is only 200-300mm thick.
An extemal signal source, such as RGB(S), or a (S)VGA signal from a computer is displayed on the screen. It now functions as a monitor.
Altematively, an intemal processor may generate a image, either fully standalone, from a
CD-source, or from a network source.
The construction of the screens is such that they can be combined (coupled) to form very large image surfaces without visible seams.
The construction is light. The entire screen will weigh less than 100 kg.
The screens do not generate harmful EM radiation.
The screens have a very high refresh rate (between 450 and 1500 Hz). This ensures a steady image without line flicker, even in combination with fluorescent lighting.

Claims

Claims
1. A display system for the display of video and computer graphics. Comprising: A Digital Micromirror Device for image generation. A fibre optic array to guide the light of each pixel from the Digital Micromirror
Device to the screen.
A screen of several square meters in size.
2. The display system of claim 1. Wherein:
The Fibre Optic Array consists of a number of fibres (or groups of fibres) exactly corresponding to the number of pixels in the image on the digital mirror device. These fibres (or group of fibres) are bundled so that they form a regular matrix. Each mirror on the DMD corresponds with one fibre (or group of fibres) that is subsequently led to its corresponding position on the screen. The screen also forms a matrix of fibres (or groups of fibres), congruent with that ofthe Fibre Optic Array input plane.
3. The display system of claim 1. Wherein:
The screen is formed by the ends ofthe (groups of) fibres, embedded in and bonded by a transparent plastic. The rear ofthe screen is treated with a light absorbing coating, minimising reflections and improving contrast of the screen. The screen may be flat or curved, convex or concave.
4. The display system of claim 2. Wherein each fibre is of sufficient, and thus of different length.
PCT/NL1996/000450 1995-11-17 1996-11-14 A thin, flexible screen, convex or concave, with a display surface of several square meters to display computer graphics and/or video WO1997019435A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU75904/96A AU7590496A (en) 1995-11-17 1996-11-14 A thin, flexible screen, convex or concave, with a display surface of several square meters to display computer graphics and/or video

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1001676A NL1001676C2 (en) 1995-11-17 1995-11-17 A flat, or concave or convex, flexible screen with a surface of a few square meters for displaying computer graphics and video images. The screen is constructed in such a way that the surface can be flat, single or double curved. The depth of the image plane is limited to 200 - 300 mm.
NL1001676 1995-11-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997019435A1 true WO1997019435A1 (en) 1997-05-29

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NL1996/000450 WO1997019435A1 (en) 1995-11-17 1996-11-14 A thin, flexible screen, convex or concave, with a display surface of several square meters to display computer graphics and/or video

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU7590496A (en)
NL (1) NL1001676C2 (en)
WO (1) WO1997019435A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998006560A1 (en) * 1996-08-08 1998-02-19 Sri International Apparatus for automated fabrication of three-dimensional objects, and associated methods of use

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1001676C2 (en) * 1995-11-17 1996-10-15 Ronald Evert Opdenberg A flat, or concave or convex, flexible screen with a surface of a few square meters for displaying computer graphics and video images. The screen is constructed in such a way that the surface can be flat, single or double curved. The depth of the image plane is limited to 200 - 300 mm.

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0275061A2 (en) * 1987-01-12 1988-07-20 Inwave Corporation Signboard for displaying optical images
EP0324147A2 (en) * 1988-01-11 1989-07-19 Seiko Epson Corporation Light guide type display apparatus
NL8900093A (en) * 1989-01-16 1990-08-16 Nederland Haarlem B V Light signal generator for signalling or display panel - provides alternative images by optical switching of two fibre-optic bundles having halogen lamp sources
EP0663770A1 (en) * 1993-11-01 1995-07-19 Texas Instruments Incorporated Display system with a digital micromirror device
NL1001676C2 (en) * 1995-11-17 1996-10-15 Ronald Evert Opdenberg A flat, or concave or convex, flexible screen with a surface of a few square meters for displaying computer graphics and video images. The screen is constructed in such a way that the surface can be flat, single or double curved. The depth of the image plane is limited to 200 - 300 mm.

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0275061A2 (en) * 1987-01-12 1988-07-20 Inwave Corporation Signboard for displaying optical images
EP0324147A2 (en) * 1988-01-11 1989-07-19 Seiko Epson Corporation Light guide type display apparatus
NL8900093A (en) * 1989-01-16 1990-08-16 Nederland Haarlem B V Light signal generator for signalling or display panel - provides alternative images by optical switching of two fibre-optic bundles having halogen lamp sources
EP0663770A1 (en) * 1993-11-01 1995-07-19 Texas Instruments Incorporated Display system with a digital micromirror device
NL1001676C2 (en) * 1995-11-17 1996-10-15 Ronald Evert Opdenberg A flat, or concave or convex, flexible screen with a surface of a few square meters for displaying computer graphics and video images. The screen is constructed in such a way that the surface can be flat, single or double curved. The depth of the image plane is limited to 200 - 300 mm.

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998006560A1 (en) * 1996-08-08 1998-02-19 Sri International Apparatus for automated fabrication of three-dimensional objects, and associated methods of use

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU7590496A (en) 1997-06-11
NL1001676A1 (en) 1996-01-12
NL1001676C2 (en) 1996-10-15

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